Ga. coach remembers Burlsworth
Georgia Coach Kirby Smart is a big fan of the Burlsworth Trophy, which is named in honor of former University of Arkansas AllAmerica offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth and since 2010 has been presented annually to the nation’s top player who began his career as a walkon.
“I don’t know that people give that award the proper recognition,” Smart said on Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “Probably one of the just coolest, greatest awards to me, because it means, ‘I went here to school without a scholarship.
I went to do something special.’
“And walk-ons are special, because they do it for free. Most of them, by the time to get to [being nominated] for that award, they’re on scholarship. They’ve proved everybody wrong.”
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett is one of three finalists for this year’s Burlsworth Trophy along with Arkansas linebacker Grant Morgan and Troy linebacker Carlton Martial.
“I was super proud for Stetson,” Smart said. “What a great honor.”
Before Smart went into coaching, the All-SEC defensive back at Georgia signed as a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts after the 1998 NFL Draft.
When Smart went to mini-camp with the Colts in the spring of 1999, among the other rookies he met was Burlsworth, the team’s third-round draft pick.
After the mini-camp, Burlsworth returned home and was killed in a car accident.
The Burlsworth Trophy was created by his family to keep his legacy alive.
“It’s a special award to me, because I was with the Colts in the 1999 preseason, and Brandon Burlsworth was there,” said Smart, who was released during training camp. “We both were with the Colts at the same time. Then the tragic accident happened.
“I was quick to explain that to Stetson, the backstory behind the award and what it means and what Brandon was like.
“I think Stetson feels honored to be one of the finalists for that.”